Nannies Shouldn’t Drink: Even When Working a Party

All parents expect their nannies to come to work sober. While working, nannies should not take an alcoholic drink even if the parents offer them a sip of champagne or a glass of wine with dinner. When in-home child care providers are on-the-clock and caring for kids it’s inappropriate to drink alcohol no matter the environment – even at a wedding, a party, or vacation spot.

Although some parents drink in the presence of their kids, nannies cannot do the same when working. In fact, parents hire nannies and sitters to work at their parties to care for their kids so that the parents can drink and socialize without worrying about the safety and care of their children.

It’s common knowledge that alcohol interferes with a person’s perception of reality and ability to make good decisions. Alcohol can immediately effect vision, hearing, coordination, and alter judgment and emotions.

The CDC explains that alcohol use has immediate effects on adults that increase dangers for kids. Studies have shown that alcohol is a leading factor in child maltreatment and neglect cases. Drinking leads to unintentional injuries, tragic injuries, falls, drownings, and unintentional firearm injuries.

Although parents may drink in their own house with dinner, or at a party, they are not being paid to care for their children. The parents wouldn’t go to work drunk or show up at their jobs after drinking or they would be fired. Nannies should recognize that if they choose to drink alcohol while on the job that is a reason for immediate termination as well.

Since it is a nanny’s job to be conscious of the safety of the children at all times, drinking alcohol on the job is unprofessional, unacceptable, and means for termination.